Ultrasound technicians are also known as radiology technologists and sonographers, and no matter how they are called, they are considered as one of the highly paid health check practitioners in the medical industry. Making at least $55,000 per year, there are some who earn as much as $75,000-$90,000 per annum. Considering the above figures, how can you increase your earning capacity as an ultrasound technician?
Accreditation of educational institution and program curriculum. For those who are about to start with their ultrasound technician course, ensure that the school you are applying for is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the accrediting body that endorses and sanctions schools and the program curriculums the schools offer. This is important whether you are taking a certificate course, an associate's degree, or a bachelor's degree because it means that the program of study you are taking is at the same standard as the rest of the accredited institutions and that the school is preparing you for whatever licensure exam you are supposed to take after completing your course.
In addition, most hospitals and related health facilities consider the qualifications of the educational institution in coming up with their hiring decisions, which means those who graduate from reputable schools get hired easily, and those from unaccredited institutions find it difficult to find jobs. While there are some health facilities that hire from non-accredited schools, it could also mean lesser starting pay for you than those who graduate from accredited schools.
Take certification exams. Completing your educational requirements does not qualify you for a job right away. You still need to pass qualifying exams that will allow you to practice your profession. Therefore, check out any of the following accrediting bodies and take the tests - American Registry of Radiological Technologists (ARRT), American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
Consider taking up a specialization. Although it would seem like a longer process if you will take up specialization in ultrasound technology, think about the long-term benefits of specializing in a particular field such as breast sonography, vascular sonography, or echocardiography. Not everyone is knowledgeable about any of these and because of the limited number of ultrasound technician specialists, the pay is much higher considering also the complexities involved in undertaking such job.
Empower yourself by developing a good reputation and expertise in your field. It will not look good on your resume if prospective employers see that you are always moving from one health facility to another. For one, it could mean that you are not a stable worker or that you might be having a behavioral problem that is why employers are willing to let you go.
Apart from this, how can you develop expertise in your field without the accompanying years of experience on the job?
Thus, to ensure that you increase your initial salary to a more competitive compensation, advance yourself through education, certification, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technician salary ranges vary. Learn what you'll get paid as a sonographer from: http://www.careerfactsheet.com/ultrasound-technician/
Accreditation of educational institution and program curriculum. For those who are about to start with their ultrasound technician course, ensure that the school you are applying for is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the accrediting body that endorses and sanctions schools and the program curriculums the schools offer. This is important whether you are taking a certificate course, an associate's degree, or a bachelor's degree because it means that the program of study you are taking is at the same standard as the rest of the accredited institutions and that the school is preparing you for whatever licensure exam you are supposed to take after completing your course.
In addition, most hospitals and related health facilities consider the qualifications of the educational institution in coming up with their hiring decisions, which means those who graduate from reputable schools get hired easily, and those from unaccredited institutions find it difficult to find jobs. While there are some health facilities that hire from non-accredited schools, it could also mean lesser starting pay for you than those who graduate from accredited schools.
Take certification exams. Completing your educational requirements does not qualify you for a job right away. You still need to pass qualifying exams that will allow you to practice your profession. Therefore, check out any of the following accrediting bodies and take the tests - American Registry of Radiological Technologists (ARRT), American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
Consider taking up a specialization. Although it would seem like a longer process if you will take up specialization in ultrasound technology, think about the long-term benefits of specializing in a particular field such as breast sonography, vascular sonography, or echocardiography. Not everyone is knowledgeable about any of these and because of the limited number of ultrasound technician specialists, the pay is much higher considering also the complexities involved in undertaking such job.
Empower yourself by developing a good reputation and expertise in your field. It will not look good on your resume if prospective employers see that you are always moving from one health facility to another. For one, it could mean that you are not a stable worker or that you might be having a behavioral problem that is why employers are willing to let you go.
Apart from this, how can you develop expertise in your field without the accompanying years of experience on the job?
Thus, to ensure that you increase your initial salary to a more competitive compensation, advance yourself through education, certification, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technician salary ranges vary. Learn what you'll get paid as a sonographer from: http://www.careerfactsheet.com/ultrasound-technician/